There may be a reason for the spike in sales of vibrators these days. Sex has shown to be good for your health—reducing anxiety, stress, and, in general, improving mental and emotional health. Many experts cite self-pleasure as the easiest and safest way to explore sex during this time. We’re a fan of these sexy audio stories to spark your imagination and get you in the mood. And if you’re at home with a partner 24/7, it’s time to get creative and enjoy yourselves. A 2016 study found that occasional date nights can keep your coupledom strong, enhance your emotional connection and rekindle romance. Sign us up.
Here are a few suggestions to help create physical intimacy with your partner in an era of social distancing.
A few ground rules
Part of creating intimacy is being in the moment. Yep, that means phones off. (Unless it’s part of your date night.) Also, don’t just say you’re going to have a date night—set a time and stick to it.
Explore a new place
Remember that place you always wanted to visit but never had the time or money? Now it’s free. No packing required. Take in a new view from the Eiffel Tower, visit Van Gogh at the Getty or walk through Bryce Canyon. Online exhibits and tours are making it easier than ever to take a culture trip right from the couch.
Or explore each other
Sure, you’ve been together forever, but that doesn’t mean you know everything about your SO. The “36 Questions That Lead to Love” are great way to reconnect, even if you’re already in love. Made up of fun and intellectual questions, the answers may remind you why you wouldn’t want to be stuck inside with anyone else.
Have a good laugh
They say couples who laugh together, stay together. Fortunately, countless comedians have taken to the interwebs. We suggest starting with Paul Feig’s Quarantine Cocktail Time, which he and his wife host on his Instagram live feed. Or try Comedy Quarantine, designed to support comedians currently without a place to perform. Comedians take the stage at @comedyquarantine, Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. PT.
Or make each other laugh
While not intended to be a comedy routine, unless you’re tWitch and Allison, learning a new dance together is sure to bring the mood up. Start with one (or all) of these 10 easy TikTok dances or join @movespurejoy’s IG dance party on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Paint your partner
Art not your thing? Maybe you just haven’t found your medium. This at-home romance-art kit makes it all kinds of exciting.
Take it to the other room
Getting closer during all this closeness may require a little distance. Sounds counterintuitive, but it’s worth a try. Go to your separate rooms and partake in some good, old-fashioned phone sex where you’re both free to be whoever you want to be.
Or take it to the bedroom
It can be all too easy for your libido to fall on the wayside, especially when you’re dealing with new routines. Give it a much-needed boost with the help of our In The Mood Capsules. Then, spice things up with this nightcap kit.
Check in with each other
Not a date activity, per se, but important nonetheless. This is a hard time for everyone. Ask your partner to talk or just sit with you. This alone will deepen your connection and remind you both that you’re in this together.
